System and method for obtaining and utilizing maintenance information

ABSTRACT

A system for obtaining, recording, displaying, storing, transmitting and receiving maintenance and other information is provided. The system, which may include an electronic maintenance apparatus that may be in the form of a hand-held digital computer, allows a user to capture and store images, sound, and/or error codes and related text or voice data and other information concerning the system or object being maintained. The information can be stored locally and/or transmitted to remote locations. Retrieval of the images and other data at a later date provides an historical perspective of the object, enabling one using the maintenance apparatus to compare and contrast the condition of the object over time. Instruction on how to accomplish a job at hand, diagnostic information and/or support information may also be transmitted to and from the maintenance apparatus.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/231,913, filed Sep. 11, 2000.

BACKGROUND

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to maintenance systems and, moreparticularly, to systems and methods for obtaining and utilizingmaintenance information.

[0004] 2. Related Art

[0005] Maintenance logs are used to record maintenance information bypersonnel performing maintenance and inspection on objects, such asmotors, aircraft, boats, machines, structures and buildings. Thesemaintenance logs typically include information regarding the conditionof the object and/or the work being performed on the object, and providean historical record of such information. Typical logs take the form ofnotebooks, whereby the person performing the maintenance can writedescriptions of the condition of the object and/or the work performed.The log can be maintained as a reference point for future maintenanceand performance information regarding the object.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In one embodiment, a method of maintaining an object is provided.The method comprises the acts of storing, in digital format, a firstimage of the object at a first time, obtaining a second image of theobject at a second time, comparing the first image to the second image,and determining whether to perform maintenance on the object based, atleast in part, on the act of comparing.

[0007] In another embodiment, a method of inspecting an object from aremote location is provided. The method comprises the acts of obtaininga digital image of the object at a first location, electronicallytransmitting the digital image to a second location remote from thefirst location, viewing the digital image at the second location,transmitting instructions to the first location, and performing an acton the object in response to the instructions.

[0008] In yet another embodiment, an electronic inspection apparatus isprovided. The apparatus is adapted to communicate with a camera toobtain an image of an object is provided. The apparatus comprises acasing, a computer disposed within the casing, and a camera control unitdisposed within the casing and coupled to the computer. The cameracontrol unit is adapted to receive electronic images from the camera,reformat the electronic images into digital format and pass thedigitally formatted images to the computer. The apparatus also includesan input device, coupled to the computer, that is adapted to allow auser to input full text data relating to the image.

[0009] In still another embodiment, an electronic inspection apparatusis provided. The apparatus is adapted to communicate with a camera toobtain an image of an object. The apparatus comprises a casing, acomputer disposed within the casing, and a camera control unit disposedwithin the casing and coupled to the computer. The camera control unitis adapted to receive electronic images from the camera, reformat theelectronic images into digital format and pass the digitally formattedimages to the computer. The apparatus further includes a computerreadable storage medium, coupled to the computer, having an executablecode stored thereon. The code allows the computer to execute at leasttwo processes in a multitask fashion.

[0010] In another embodiment, an electronic inspection apparatus isprovided. the apparatus is adapted to communicate with a camera forobtaining an image of an object. The apparatus comprises a casing, acomputer disposed within the casing, and a control unit disposed withinthe casing and coupled to the computer. The control unit is adapted tocommunicate with the camera. The apparatus further includes an inputdevice coupled to the computer and the control unit. The input device isadapted to receive an input command from a user. The control unit isadapted to receive the command and signal at least portions of thecamera to react as commanded.

[0011] In another embodiment, an aircraft inspection system is provided.The system includes a camera adapted to view a component of theaircraft, and a portable electronic apparatus communicating with thecamera,. The apparatus includes a casing, a computer disposed within thecasing, and a camera control unit coupled to the computer and disposedwithin the casing. The camera control unit is adapted to receive animage from the camera and pass the image to the computer. The apparatusalso includes a display coupled to the computer that is adapted todisplay the image. An input device is coupled to the computer and isadapted to allow a user to input maintenance data relating to thecomponent. The apparatus further includes a storage medium communicatingwith the computer. The storage medium is adapted to store the image andrelated data.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, an electronic maintenance apparatus isprovided. The apparatus is adapted to communicate with a camera toobtain an image of an object. The apparatus comprises a casing, acomputer disposed within the casing, and a storage medium communicatingwith the computer. The storage medium includes maintenance informationregarding the object being imaged.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Various embodiments of the invention will now be described, byway of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014]FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a maintenance systemaccording to one aspect of the invention;

[0015]FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary use of the system ofFIG. 1;

[0016]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a maintenance apparatus for usewith the system according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0017]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the maintenanceapparatus of FIG. 3;

[0018]FIG. 5 is a view of the maintenance apparatus of FIG. 3 showing anexample of a display provided by the maintenance apparatus;

[0019]FIG. 6 is a partially cut away perspective view of an imagingsystem for use with the maintenance apparatus of FIGS. 3-5;

[0020]FIG. 7 is a partially cut away perspective view of the imagingsystem shown in FIG. 6;

[0021]FIGS. 8a and 8 b are partially cut away perspective views of anillustrative focusing mechanism employed in the system of FIGS. 6-7;

[0022]FIG. 9 is a partially cut away perspective view of an alternativeembodiment of the imaging system including an adapter that adapts astandard camera head to be mated with a coupler shown in the system ofFIGS. 6-7; and

[0023]FIG. 10 is a partially cut away perspective view of the adaptershown in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Applicant's have appreciated that, after a short period of time,conventional log notebooks can become voluminous, torn, dirty, lost ordestroyed. And, if they are to be read by people in places other thanwhere they are stored, they must be copied and shipped, faxed, ortransported in some manner to the desired location. Maintaining thesenotebooks is time consuming, costly and antiquated at best.

[0025] In one embodiment, a system for obtaining and storing maintenanceinformation in electronic format is provided. The system includes anapparatus having an LCD, a touch panel, a camera connector, cameraadjustments and a flashcard port. The apparatus houses a camera controlunit (CCU) and a computer, which are used to receive and process imagesfrom an imager which is attached to the apparatus at the cameraconnector. This CCU and computer are also used to process images anddata and place these images and data on a storage media such as aflashcard, which may be removably placed in the flashcard port. Theapparatus also has attachment connectors for an external keyboard if oneis desired by the user, external computer display video OUT and INconnectors as well as battery and external power connectors.

[0026] The apparatus may be used by maintenance personnel to captureimages of the equipment or objects they are inspecting or maintaining aswell as enter notes or detailed descriptions in writing or voicerecording as adjuncts to the aforementioned images. The apparatus mayalso be wearable, battery powered, voice or touch activated. Once thepictures and data are captured and stored, they may be down loaded toother computers and or transmitted via the Internet or other transportmethods. The storage media may be maintained with the apparatus in aseparate housing carrying/storage case for permanent records that maystay with the apparatus for further reference.

[0027] It should be appreciated that the apparatus may use storage mediawhich has been preformatted with desired maintenance programs that couldcontain parts list, training material, instructions for use,instructions on how to accomplish a job at hand, check list, operationsmanuals and other material not limited to the aforementioned.

[0028] Another feature is that the apparatus will enable the user tokeep and maintain a wear history on mechanical objects (e.g., enginecomponents) thus enabling the user to make judgments on when a partmight fail prior the part actually failing.

[0029] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to amethod of maintaining a digital maintenance information. One embodimentof the present invention relates to a method of maintaining a digitalmaintenance information that includes pictures and/or text concerningthe system being maintained. The use of pictures is particularlypowerful, as it enables one viewing the maintenance apparatus to compareand contrast the manner in which a component of the system has worn overtime. It should be appreciated that any suitable type of camera can beused to take such pictures.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, a set of pictures canbe taken of key components of a system before the system is sent to thecustomer. Thereafter, during periodic maintenance checks, additionalpictures can be taken, which can enable one to view the maintenanceapparatus to compare the way the parts have worn.

[0031] In one embodiment of the invention, a computer readable mediumcan be installed on the system to be maintained, so that the maintenancefile can be stored therein. Optionally, the storage medium provided withthe system can include pictures of certain components of the system wheninitially shipped to the customer, although the aspect of the presentinvention related to installing the digital maintenance file on thesystem to be maintained is not limited in this respect. Also, it shouldbe appreciated that the embodiment of the present invention relating toinstalling the storage medium that stores the digital maintenance fileon the system to be maintained is not limited to the use of aphotographic maintenance file, as embodiments of the present inventioncontemplate that merely a text maintenance file can be employed.

[0032] It should be appreciated that it is an advantage of oneembodiment of the present invention that the digital maintenance file ismounted to the system to be maintained, such that the maintenance filealways stays with the system and can be accessed by maintenancepersonnel wherever the system is present, and further, cannot be lost.In addition, the maintenance file can be backed up and stored away fromthe system to be maintained to enhance the security of the data thatcomprises the digital maintenance file.

[0033] In another embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus canbe provided with a video output, such that videotapes can be made of thedigital pictures taken.

[0034] In another embodiment of the present invention, maintenancepersonnel can be provided with a remote system for recording digitalinformation (photographic and/or text) while inspecting the system intoa computer readable medium that they can carry around with them. Thisremote system can be cordless for ease of use (e.g., it can be batterypowered). Once the inspection is complete, the remote system can becoupled to the storage medium installed on the system to be maintainedand the information from the maintenance inspection can be downloadedinto the digital maintenance file on the system.

[0035] Such a maintenance apparatus can be used with numerous types ofsystems, including aircraft (e.g., airplanes and helicopters), boats,automobiles, trucks, military equipment (e.g., tanks, etc.) and othersystems as will be explained below.

[0036] One embodiment is directed to a method and apparatus forobtaining, recording, displaying, storing, transmitting and/or receivingmaintenance and other information electronically, allowing a user tocapture and store images, sound, error codes, related text or voice dataand/or other information concerning the system or object beingmaintained. The information can be stored locally and/or transmitted toremote locations. Retrieval of the images and other information at alater date provides an historical perspective of the object, enablingone using the maintenance apparatus to compare and contrast thecondition of the object over time. Instruction on how to accomplish ajob at hand, diagnostic information and/or support information may alsobe transmitted to and from the maintenance apparatus. Such informationmay alternatively be pre-stored for later retrieval.

[0037] In one embodiment, the maintenance apparatus may be used as aninterface between the object to be inspected and the person performingthe inspection. The apparatus allows a user to receive maintenanceinformation, such as historical and/or real-time information regardingthe object, and determine a course for corrective action to be performedon the object as necessary. In this manner, a user may make maintenancejudgments, such as, for example, whether the object needs maintenance orwhen the object might fail prior the object actually failing.

[0038] In one embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a maintenance system 10includes a maintenance apparatus 20 that receives real-time or currentdata 22 a concerning the condition of one or more objects 24, such as amechanical component, being inspected. The data 22 a concerning theobject may relate to physical characteristics of the object 24, theinteraction of two or more physical components, the operation of anyobject, such as the operating characteristics of any physical orelectronic component, or any other characteristic of the object, as thepresent invention is not limited to receiving any particular types ofdata. The data 22 a may be in the form of one or more images 26, audio28 (e.g., the sound of the object as it functions), error codes 30, anysuitable combination thereof, or any other data, as the presentinvention is not limited in this respect. The image 26 of the object maybe generated by any image producing device as invention not limited inthis respect. Similarly, audio 28 may be obtained with the use of anysuitable device (e.g., a microphone), and the error code 30 may beobtained with any suitable interface. Notes or detailed descriptions intext format 32 or voice recording 34 may be input into the apparatus 20as adjuncts to the aforementioned data 22 a and may be inputted using auser interface 36. The data 22 a may be presented to a user using one ormore suitable output devices 38.

[0039] The maintenance apparatus 20 may store the data (labeled as 22 bin FIG. 1) locally (e.g., in a storage medium of the apparatus 20) orremotely (e.g., at a central maintenance facility). The local storagemedium may be internal or external to the apparatus 20 (e.g., in aseparate housing carrying/storage case (not shown)), thereby providing arecord that may stay with the apparatus 20 for further reference.

[0040] In one embodiment, the apparatus may provide access tomaintenance information that may include, in addition to the presentdata 22 b concerning the object, any one or more of the following:information regarding the initial condition 39 of the object; historicalinformation 40 of the object; diagnostic information 42; instructionalinformation 44 (e.g., parts list, training materials, instructions foruse, instructions on how to accomplish a job at hand, check lists,operations manuals, layout information, schematic and parts diagrams,object location diagrams, etc.); and support 46 (e.g., help menu and/orreal time technical assistance from technical support personnel when theapparatus is communicating with a maintenance facility ormanufacturer/provider of the object 24). Such additional information maybe stored locally (e.g., within the apparatus 20) or remotely, with theapparatus 20 having the capability to communicate with the remotelocation. Any of the above described information can be employed withthe apparatus in any suitable combination.

[0041] The historical information 40 may be provided using any suitabletechnique. In one embodiment, the historical information 40 may includea compilation of maintenance and inspection data 22 b previouslyobtained by the user or users. Data concerning the initial condition 39of an object may be provided to a customer of the system for subsequentcomparison with real time information. For example, a set of images canbe taken of key components of a system before the system is sent to acustomer. During periodic maintenance checks, additional images can betaken, which can enable one to view the maintenance apparatus to comparethe current data with the initial condition information or historicalinformation to determine the way the parts have worn.

[0042] As discussed above, in one embodiment, the system can communicatewith a remote facility. This provides a number of advantages. Forexample, as may be the case with aircraft, maintenance for certainobjects may be performed at different locations. Using the remotecommunication ability, an inspector at a first location may record hisor her observations and upload the data 22 b to a central database, sothat an inspector at a second location may download that data prior toperforming a subsequent inspection on the same aircraft.

[0043] In other embodiments of the invention, other techniques forproviding a user with the most current data may be employed. Forexample, in one embodiment, a computer readable medium can be installedon the object to be maintained (e.g., installed on an aircraft), so thatthe maintenance information can be stored therein. Optionally, thestorage medium provided with the object can include any of the types ofdata described above, including pictures of certain components of theobject when initially shipped to the customer, although the aspect ofthe invention related to installing the maintenance information on thesystem to be maintained is not limited in this respect. Also, it shouldbe appreciated that the embodiment of the present invention relating toinstalling the storage medium that stores the maintenance information onthe object to be maintained is not limited to the use of image data, asembodiments of the present invention contemplate that text, audio, errorcode and/or other data can be employed.

[0044] An advantage of installing the maintenance information on theobject to be maintained is that the maintenance information always stayswith the object and can be accessed by maintenance personnel whereverthe object is present, and cannot be lost. Once the inspection iscomplete, the apparatus can be coupled to the storage medium installedon the object to be maintained and the information from the maintenanceinspection can be downloaded into the file stored on the object. Inaddition, the maintenance information can be backed up and stored awayfrom the object to enhance the security of the data that comprises themaintenance information.

[0045] Referring in relation to aircraft as shown in FIG. 2, anexemplary use of the maintenance system 10 will be described. Amaintenance worker or inspector 50 inspects an engine 52 of an airplaneusing the maintenance apparatus 20 according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. The inspector 50 probes into the engine compartment53 using a suitable data input device (such as a camera, scope,microphone, etc., (not shown)) coupled to the apparatus 20 via a link54. An inspection port 55 formed on the engine housing 53 may be used tofacilitate inserting the input device to enable the user to obtain thedesired data. Data 22 b (FIG. 1) is captured by the apparatus 20 forsubsequent processing and analysis. In one embodiment, the inspector 50inserts a camera 50 into the engine compartment to obtain an image ofthe engine.

[0046] The inspector 50, after obtaining the data, may record additionaldata, such as notes regarding the condition of the engine, the serialnumber of the engine, the date of inspection, the aircraft tail numberor other identifier, the inspector's name, etc. This can be performedusing a user interface 36 (FIG. 1) or the apparatus 20, which can be akeyboard, touch screen or any suitable interfaces as will be describedbelow. The inspector 50 may also recall previously stored informationregarding the engine, such as the aforementioned initial condition 39,historical information 40, diagnostic information 42 or instructionalinformation, 44 and determine a course of action.

[0047] As discussed above, in one embodiment, the apparatus 20 maycommunicate with a remote facility through a suitable communicationslink (shown as 56 in FIG. 2). Link 56 can be any suitable communicationmedium, including wireless communication. The remote facility mayinclude a computer 57 storing a database (not shown) capable of storingany of the above mentioned information concerning the object beinginspected. Technicians at the remote facility may be able to remotelyobtain and analyze the information obtained by the apparatus 20 toprovide guidance to the inspector 50 regarding any action necessary. Thecommunication of the apparatus with the remote facility enablestechnicians at a remote site to obtain the data in real time, therebyenhancing maintenance efficiency. Alternatively, the technician at theremote facility may view and analyze the maintenance information at alater time.

[0048] The maintenance apparatus 20 may also be used as a communicationinterface between an inspection facility and the object 24 beinginspected. In this manner, an inspector can be posted at the remotelocation while a helper is located on site to manipulate the apparatus20 and/or its associated data gathering device(s). This enables theremote inspector to obtain real time data and render a maintenancedecision from a remote location without the need for a skilledtechnician on site with the object being inspected.

[0049] Rather than probe the object 24 to be inspected with a datagathering device coupled to the apparatus 20, one or more data gatheringdevices may be installed on the object to be inspected, with theapparatus 20 being capable of communicating with these devices. Forexample, an aircraft, ship or other object may be outfitted with severalcameras capable of viewing certain areas within the object. Theapparatus 20 may communicate with each of these cameras, via hardwire orwireless connection, to receive an image of the area to be inspected.Multiple views may also be generated to view an area from differentlocations and/or to view the interaction of multiple components.

[0050] The maintenance apparatus 20 may be implemented in any suitablemanner, as the present invention is not limited in this respect. In oneembodiment, the maintenance apparatus 20 is implemented as a portablehand-held digital computer/camera assembly. As is explained more fullybelow with reference to FIGS. 3-5, the assembly may be housed within acasing, resulting in the approximate size and weight of a laptopcomputer. For example, the hand-held apparatus may be up to about ten tofourteen inches long, up to about eight to twelve inches wide, and up toabout one to four inches thick. The apparatus 20 may include orotherwise communicate with a storage medium and may also include a powersource (e.g., a battery pack) that renders the apparatus cordless andeasily transportable. In one embodiment, the apparatus 20 is less thanabout ten pounds. More preferably, the apparatus 20 is less than aboutfive pounds, and most preferably, less than about three pounds. Itshould be appreciated that the power pack may comprise a largepercentage of the weight. Thus, the weight of the apparatus 20 dependsupon the size of the power pack included within the apparatus 20. Withsuch a hand-held apparatus, increased portability and ease of use may beattained.

[0051] The illustrative embodiment of the apparatus 20 shown in FIGS.3-5 includes several main components, including input devices 70 a-70 f,output devices 80 a, 80 b, 70 b, 70 c, a motherboard 90, a cameracontrol unit 100, a video chip 110, and a casing 130, each of which willbe discussed in more detail below. As discussed above, the data inputdevices and the data output devices may be any number of devices, eitherinternal to the apparatus or connected externally via any number oftechniques, and in some instances, the input and output devices may bepart of the same device. The data being inputted to or outputted fromthe apparatus 20 may be in any format, including but not limited to,still image data, streaming video images, text and audio, and may besent to or received by the apparatus as desired. The motherboard 90includes a central processing unit (CPU) 92, computer readable storagemedium 94 coupled to the CPU 92 (e.g., via a bus (not shown)), and atleast one input/output (I/O) connection 95 coupled to the CPU 92. Themotherboard can be custom designed or can be any of a number of standarddevices. The motherboard 90 controls data flow and storage, and works inconjunction with the video chip 110 and camera control unit 100 (CCU) tofacilitate image processing and display.

[0052] The input devices 70 a-70 f provide the apparatus 20 with data.At least one of the devices provides a user interface. A user may behuman or non-human, as in the case of an application program or anotherdevice. Any of a number of input devices may be employed. The apparatus20 may have any number of internal input devices, disposed within theconfines of the casing of the apparatus, as well as any number ofexternal devices through suitable connections. The input devices caninclude control units, such as buttons, knobs or switches, keypads,touch screen, the other input devices and the output devices etc. tocontrol various aspects of the apparatus. Human user input can also beobtained from an externally connected mouse, keyboard, joystick, glove,headset, microphone or any other manually controlled devices.

[0053] In one embodiment, a touch screen 70 a is employed for human userinput. In this embodiment, a touch screen controller 72 is connected tothe touch screen 70 a and the motherboard 90 and transfers the data fromthe touch screen 70 a to the motherboard 90 for further processing andstorage. Any of aforementioned external input or output devices may beattached to the apparatus 20 in numerous ways, via, for example, aconnection port 74. The apparatus may also include voice recognitionsoftware, so that data may be input or the system may be controlled byvoice. Voice recordings may also be stored in the apparatus 20.

[0054] Maintenance information previously stored on internal or externalstorage devices may also be inputted to the apparatus 20. Any suitablestorage device may be employed, including the internal memory of themotherboard 90, harddrives or other storage media. In one embodiment, aflashcard 70 b may be employed as a storage medium and may be installedthrough a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card InternationalAssociation) card port 76. The flashcard 70 b may be in addition to thememory already present on the motherboard 90. The flashcard 70 b may beremovable through the slot, or permanently attached to the apparatus 20and contained within the device via a detachable, protective, screw-oncovering 78. The card can be used to store pre-configured data.

[0055] Information stored on other devices can also be transmitted tothe apparatus 20 via any of numerous communication mediums 70 c,including but not limited to wireless communication media, such ascellular, satellite or infrared communication, modem connections,Ethernet connections, etc may be made through the PCMCIA port 76.Hardware enabling these communication mechanisms may be internal to theapparatus 20 in some embodiments and connected externally in others.Additionally, information may be transferred into the apparatus 20 viaany of the numerous devices, for example: magnetic media (e.g.,videotapes, audiotapes or floppy disks), optical media (e.g., CDs DVDsor laser disks), and electronic media (e.g., EPROM). One method ofconnection for any video input is an S-Video (Super-Video) connectionport 79 hardwired to an S-Video-compatible device capable of reading theproduct. However, the present invention is not limited to this type ofconnection, as ports and devices formatted for other types of videosignals may be employed, including, for example, a composite signal.

[0056] As discussed above, in one embodiment the apparatus 20 is capableof receiving images from a camera, such as camera 70 d shown in FIG. 3.Any suitable camera or cameras may be used, as the present invention isnot limited in this respect. In one embodiment, the camera 70 d is NTSC(National Television Standards Committee) compatible. NTSC is the one ofseveral camera standards used in the United States. Examples of camerasthat may be used with the apparatus 20 include the BoreCam™, thePeriCam™, the TeleCam™, and the ToolCam™, each available from VisionTechnologies of Rogers, Ariz. Alternatively, cameras compatible withother television broadcast standards may be used, including thosecompatible with the PAL (Phase Alternate Line) or SECAM (SystemeElectronique Couleur Avec Memoire) systems, or any other type of camera.

[0057] The camera may be connected to the apparatus 20 in any suitablemanner, as the present invention is not limited in this respect. In oneembodiment, the camera 70 d is connected to the apparatus 20 throughport 78 on the apparatus 20 via an electronic cable 79. In anotherembodiment, an image sensor (e.g., a charge-couple device, also referredto as a CCD) is incorporated into the apparatus 20 rather than withinthe camera 70 d, and a fiber optic cable extending from the camera maybe employed. Further, a fiber optic cable may also be used to transmitdigital code representative of the image viewed by the camera to theapparatus 20, even where the camera includes a CCD. Wireless, Ethernetor modem connections enabling data and image transfer from remotecameras or other sources may also be employed, as the present inventionis not limited to the use of any particular connection technique.

[0058] Audio signals from the object being inspected may also be storedand/or transmitted via the apparatus 20. In one embodiment, the camera70 d may include a microphone 70 e to pick up such audio. Alternatively,a separate probe including the microphone 70 e or other such sound orvibration receiving device may be employed.

[0059] Error code signals may also be received by the apparatus 20 usinga suitable connection 70 f.

[0060] In one embodiment, some of the input devices 70 a-70 f may becontrolled by the apparatus 20, rather than independent device controls.For example, one or more camera control buttons or other interfaces maybe provided on the apparatus and coupled, though the apparatus, to thecamera to allow a user to operate and maneuver the camera 70 d. Cameracontrol may be made via a Motion Control Card (MCC) 97 that is hardwiredto the camera 70 d or otherwise communicates with the camera 70 d via awireless communication. Camera maneuvering may be made using any of theforegoing input devices that may communicate with the MCC. Controland/or maneuvering of the camera includes at least focusing, zooming,change viewing axis, etc., as the present invention is not limited inthis respect. Control of the camera can occur because, in oneembodiment, the camera includes a stepper motor coupled to variouscomponents of the camera, e.g., a gimbal for moving the camera head. TheMCC can control the stepper motor as desired. Alternatively, the camera70 d may be manipulated by hand, as the present invention is not limitedin this respect. Further, a white balance control button 77, intended tocompensate for the amount of ambient light coming into the camera 70 d,may be employed. Control button 77 is internally connected to the CCU.

[0061] In one embodiment, the apparatus 20 has at least one outputdevice used to display and/or store images and data. In one embodiment,an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen 80 a is coupled internally to themotherboard 90 and is visible to the user through a cut-out in thecasing 130. An LCD back light inverter 82 may be employed to control theillumination of the screen 80 a. In one embodiment, the LCD 80 a worksin conjunction with the aforementioned touch screen 70 a to act as bothan input and an output device. Of course, the LCD is one example of adisplay and other suitable displays can be used.

[0062] This LCD 80 a may be configured to display image data, video dataand text data in any number of display patterns 84, as shown in FIG. 5.In one embodiment, the display 84 includes a split screen comprising animage of keys, such as a typical keyboard setup 85, enabling a user totype on the touch screen 80 a using his or her fingers or other suchprobe, and an image display region 86 for displaying the imagedcomponent with related text, if included. In one embodiment, theorientation (landscape or portrait) of images in region 86 can bemanipulated, as will be discussed below. These images may be still orstreaming video, as the present invention is not limited to anyparticular convention. In another embodiment, although not shown, theimage display region may also include a split screen, wherein images andtext data from two or more cameras, each viewing a component, may bedisplayed. Alternatively, the split screen may display stored orhistorical images and/or text of one or more components as well as realtime data. The split screen may also be used to display any of the otheraforementioned data. Additional electronic hardware and software may benecessary to view images in a split screen mode.

[0063] An external monitor or television (not shown) may also beattached to the apparatus 20 and configured as a display in any of themanners disclosed above. In one embodiment, the external monitor isconnected to the apparatus 20 via a hardwire connection to a VGA (VideoGraphics Array) port 87. VGA is one of several standards for colormonitors. However, it is to be appreciated that other techniques foroutputting video may be employed, as the present invention is notlimited in this respect. In one embodiment, a television is connected tothe apparatus 20 via a hardwire connection to the aforementioned S-videoport.

[0064] Additionally, many of the external communication mediums providedas input devices may also be used as output devices. For example, in oneembodiment, data output is made through the communication medium 70 c,such as a modem, Ethernet or wireless devices. Data may also beoutputted to memory, including the aforementioned flashcard 70 b, themotherboard's internal memory, or any other memory device known to thosein the art, internal or external to the apparatus 20, such as theaforementioned magnetic media, optical media, or electronic media.

[0065] In one embodiment, a speaker 80 b may optionally be coupled tothe apparatus 20 or otherwise included therein for presenting audiopicked up by the microphone 70 e, whether real-time or previouslystored, regarding the object being inspected as well as previouslyrecorded or real time voice transmission. It is to be appreciated,however, that the use of audio data and the speaker are not required forall embodiments.

[0066] The motherboard 90 controls data flowing in and out of the deviceand internal device activity. The motherboard contains the CPU 92,memory, buses, and I/O connection sockets. The CPU can be any suitableprocessor (e.g., such as a Mobile P3, available from the IntelCorporation, Santa Clara, Calif.). The motherboard 90 can be customdesigned, or can be any of numerous commercially available motherboards.One such motherboard 90 that may be employed is the Microbus MPX-233111, manufactured by Microbus Inc. of Houston, Tex. The Microbus MPX-233111 contains a video chip 110 coupled to the motherboard 90 through aCOM (serial communications) port. This motherboard may be used with aPhilips 69000 video chip, manufactured by Philips Semiconductors ofEindhoven, The Netherlands, as the video chip 110. Any other suitablevideo chip may be employed. In one embodiment, the CCU 100 is alsocoupled to the motherboard 90 and is used to control and receive imagesfrom one or more of the external cameras 70 d described above. Oneexample of a CCU 100 that may be used is the Panasonic GP-KS162CBPWNTCEmanufactured by the Panasonic Systems Company of Elgin, Ill. Both thevideo chip 110 and the CCU 100 aid in manipulating and displayinggraphics data. It should be appreciated that the name brand and type ofcomponents described are exemplary, as the present invention is notlimited in this respect.

[0067] Most incoming data flows through the motherboard 90 upon enteringthe apparatus 20. Input data received via the camera 70 d may bereceived by the CCU 100 before being processed by the motherboard 90.The CCU 100 is capable of controlling one or more parameters of cameragenerated images including gain and white light balance and controllingan electronic iris for contrast. In one embodiment, the aforementionedwhite balance control button 77 is connected to the CCU 100 so that aninitial white balance reading may be obtained. To take such a reading,the user places a piece of white paper in front of the camera 70 d anddepresses the white balance control button 77. The CCU 100 uses thisreading to measure the amount of ambient light. Then, the CCU 100 usesthe reading to adjust the color data in all subsequent camera shots,compensating for the ambient light.

[0068] The CCU can also perform analog to digital (A/D) conversion. Forexample, the CCU may receive images in any electronic format from thecamera and reformat the images into digital format. The CCU then passesthe digitally formatted image to the CPU.

[0069] The video chip 110 can perform a variety of image manipulationson any image, and is not limited to manipulating solely camera generatedimages. In some embodiments, the video chip 110 is capable of A/Dconversion, as well as formatting the image into known image formats,such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group). Once formatted byeither or both of the CCU 100 and the video chip 110, the data may bepassed to the CPU 92 for further processing, storing and/ortransmitting.

[0070] The CPU 92 retrieves any requested data and sends it to theproper output device as requested. The CPU 92 also processes, stores orsends any inputted data as directed. Software used in the apparatus 20may be run by and controlled by the CPU 92. Such software may be customsoftware or commercially available software, such as XFREE86 provided byThe XFree86 Project, Inc (available from the University of Sydney,Australia) that runs on UNIX and compatible (e.g., Linux, BSD, Mac OS Xand Solaris x86 series) operating systems and OS/2 and a suitablewindows manager. This or other software may be used so that the CPU canperform concurrent operations of two or more processes in a multitaskfashion. In one embodiment, Linux operating system is run on theapparatus, available from Linux.com. Other suitable operating systemsmay be employed as the present invention is not limited in this respect.

[0071] Word processing or other text processing software may be employedto handle partial or full text inputs by a user. In this respect, anytext information that a user desires may be inputted, not merelypre-programmed information. Of course, preprogrammed information, suchas checklists, may also be employed. The images or audio data may beattached as a file to the text resulting text file.

[0072] Additional software may include an image manipulation package,enabling the data to be formatted according to certain displayconstraints. Some possible manipulations may include image rotation,image sizing and choosing between landscape and portrait displayoptions. The CPU 92 may employ any of a number of algorithms to handlethese tasks, as will be explained below. In one embodiment, the memory94 is used to buffer several frames of incoming streaming video suchthat the images can be processed frame by frame and then displayed tothe user at a rate comparable to that of real time, but severalmicroseconds later. This process improves display quality andfacilitates image manipulation. For example, each frame in the buffermay be rotated prior to being displayed to the user.

[0073] The CPU 92 can interface with the motherboard's memory 94 in anyof numerous ways, e.g., through various busses. In one embodiment, themotherboard 90 contains 64 MB of RAM (Random Access Memory). However,the present invention is not limited by the type or amount of storageplaced on the motherboard 90, as additional types or amounts may becoupled to the motherboard 90. In the embodiment shown, both the memory94 and the CPU 92 interface with the I/O devices through the I/Oconnection.

[0074] In one embodiment, a power supply interface is provided by a port112 capable of hardwire connection to an external power supply. Thepower supply level may be about 12 V, or other levels may be employed.The apparatus 20 can include an on-board power source, such as a battery114 (FIG. 4), which may be rechargeable and housed within the casing,thereby rendering the apparatus 20 cordless.

[0075] As discussed above, the various components forming the apparatus20 may be housed within a casing 130. In one embodiment, the casing 130includes a front casing 130 a and a back casing 130 b that interconnectto form an enclosure. The front casing 130 a contains a cutout 132 forthe display screen 80 a and touch screen 70 a. The back casing 130 b issubstantially rectangular and may also one or more cutouts 134 for portsto external devices and/or control buttons, knobs, switches or otherinterfaces.

[0076] The front and back casings 130 a, 130 b may be secured togetherusing any suitable technique, such as with the use of screws. Inaddition, the casing 130 may contain various bosses to support andsecure the various electronic and mechanical components of the apparatus20.

[0077] In one embodiment, the casing 130 also contains two sets of fourcurved finger grooves 136 on the external side to aid in handling theapparatus 20. Handles 138 are attached to the casing 130 over thesegroves, leaving about a one to two inch space for a user's hands. A hook140 may be mounted to the case to allow the apparatus 20 to be hung forhands-free use. It should also be recognized that casing for theapparatus 20 can take many other shapes and configurations, as notlimited. The casing 130 of the apparatus 20 may be manufactured out ofmany types of material in order to satisfy the needs of the user. Forexample, the apparatus 20 may be ruggedized and/or waterproofed.

[0078] In addition, it should be appreciated that various aspects of thepresent invention are not limited to the use of this or any particularhardware particularly adapted for use as a digital maintenanceapparatus. For example, many of the above-described methods may beprogrammed into any suitable computer.

[0079] As discussed above, any suitable type of imaging unit or cameracan be used with the apparatus 20 to provide images of the object 24.One example of an imaging system, including a camera assembly and ascope, with which the apparatus 20 of the present invention can be used,will now be described with reference to FIGS. 6-10. However, it is to beappreciated that the apparatus 20 is not limited to use with this or anyother particular imaging system.

[0080]FIG. 6 is a partially cut away perspective view of an example ofan imaging system that may be used with the apparatus 20. As shown, theimaging system includes four primary components, i.e., a scope 150, suchas an endoscope, an imaging unit or camera assembly 152, a coupler 154,which couples the scope 150 to the imaging unit 152, and a condom-likedrape 400, which prevents the imaging unit 152 from contaminating asterile operating field should the system be used in a medicalenvironment, a clean room environment for the manufacture of e.g.,silicon wafers, or other sterile environments. The use of thecondom-like drape 400 need not be employed when inspecting components,such as aircraft engines. The imaging system can be employed with anytype of image-producing scope, and is not limited to use with anyparticular type of scope.

[0081] As discussed in more detail below, in the exemplary imagingsystem shown in FIGS. 6-7, the condom-like drape 400 does not interceptthe optical viewing axis of the system. In addition, the condom-likedrape 400 does not cover a focusing mechanism 480 of the imaging system,making it easier to focus the system and lessening the likelihood thatthe drape 400 will be damaged due to manipulation of the focusingmechanism.

[0082] The lens for focusing the image from the endoscope to the imagingunit may be provided in the imaging unit 152, rather than in the coupler154. This is particularly advantageous because, as discussed in moredetail below, in the exemplary embodiment shown, a portion of thecoupler 154 is not separated from the scope 150 by the condom-like drape400, and therefore, is sterile in use. By removing the refractive lens200 from the coupler 154, the coupler 154 can be made significantly lessexpensively, thereby enabling the coupler 154 to be provided as adisposable part that need not be sterilized between uses. This isadvantageous because the sterilization of the devices can beinconvenient and time consuming.

[0083] The imaging unit 152 includes an image sensor 156 that senses animage along an imaging axis (not shown). When the imaging system isused, the coupler 154 is coupled between the eyepiece 158 of the scope150 and a distal end 660 of the imaging unit 152 such that the lens 200is disposed between the image sensor 156 and the eyepiece 158 to focusan image produced by the scope 150 onto the image sensor 156. Therefractive lens 200 may be provided in the imaging unit 152, rather thanin the coupler 154. The coupler can be therefore made significantly lessexpensively, thereby enabling the coupler to be provided as a disposablepart that need not be sterilized between uses.

[0084] The image sensor 156 may, for example, include a charge-coupleddevice (CCD) as discussed above, or a metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS)sensor. It should be appreciated, however, that the present invention isnot limited in this respect, and can be employed with any type of imagesensor 156. The image generated by the image sensor 156 can be conveyedto the maintenance apparatus 20 or a monitor 460 in any of numerousways, and the present invention is not limited to any particularimplementation. For example, the image sensor 156 may be coupled tocircuitry 560 which can assist in converting an image sensed by theimage sensor 156 into an electrical signal. This electrical signal thenmay be transmitted (e.g., via cable 260) to the monitor 460, maintenanceapparatus 20 or elsewhere for display to a user or may be otherwiseprocessed and/or recorded on a suitable medium. Alternatively, the imagesensor 156 may comprise a bundle of fiber optic cables which opticallytransmit an image from the lens 200 to the apparatus 20 or other aviewing device for display to a user. Thus, the image sensor 156 neednot necessarily convert the image from scope 150 into an electricalsignal.

[0085] The imaging unit 152 is releasably mated with the coupler 154.This mating may be accomplished using any of a number of techniques.FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate one technique that may be used to mate thesetwo components. In the particular implementation shown, to mate imagingunit 152 with coupler 154, a distal end 660 of the imaging unit 152 isinserted into an opening 880 at a proximal end 1100 of the coupler 154.As shown, the imaging unit 152 includes a button 580 which is pivotallyconnected, via a pin 820, to a body portion 180 of the imaging unit 152.The imaging unit 152 has a cavity 810 formed underneath the button 580and a spring 900, disposed in the cavity 810. Spring 900 biases thebutton 580 (in a clockwise direction in FIG. 6) about pin 820 so thatlocking member 600 is biased away from a surface 860 of body portion180. When a user pushes button 580 toward surface 860, however, spring900 is compressed so that button 580 moves in a counterclockwisedirection in FIG. 6 about pin 820 and locking member 600 moves towardsurface 860. Thus, when the button 580 is depressed and the distal end660 of the imaging unit is inserted into the opening 880 in the coupler154, the locking member 600 moves toward surface 860 so that it canslide over edge 1180 of the coupler 154. When the button 580 isreleased, the locking member 600 is biased (by spring 900) away fromsurface 860 and into a notch 620 in the coupler 154, and a shoulder 1160of imaging unit 152 contacts a shoulder 1140 of the coupler 154, therebyinterlocking the imaging unit 152 and the coupler 154. An indicationthat the distal end 660 of the imaging unit 152 is fully inserted intothe opening 880 is provided by the distal end 660 contacting a shoulder1120 of coupler 154. The imaging unit 152 and coupler 154 can beseparated by pushing button 580, which moves the locking member 600 outof the notch 620, and pulling the imaging unit 152 away from the coupler154. As mentioned above, FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate only one example ofthe many ways that the imaging unit 152 and coupler 154 may be matedtogether.

[0086] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the imaging unit 152 also includes ahandle 780 proximal to the body portion 180. The handle 780 may includegrooves 800 to make it easier for a user to grip the imaging unit 152though the drape 400 that can be extended over the imaging unit 152 in amanner described below.

[0087] The image sensor 156 and circuitry 560 may be mounted in the bodyportion 180 of the imaging unit 152 in any of a number of ways. Forexample, the image sensor 156 may be mounted via pins or screws 840 aand 840 b, and circuitry 560 may be mounted on a circuit board supportedwithin body portion 180. One or more wires (not shown) may be used tointerconnect the circuitry 560 with the cable 260.

[0088] It may be useful to enable the focal length between the imagesensor 156 and the lens 200 of imaging unit 152 to be adjusted. In thesystem shown in FIGS. 6-7, this is accomplished via a mechanism that isnot covered by the condom-like drape 400, thereby making it easier tofocus the system and lessening the likelihood that the drape 400 will bedamaged due to manipulation of the focusing mechanism. It should beappreciated, however, that the focal length adjustment can beaccomplished in any number of ways.

[0089] One example of a technique that is useful to perform the focallength adjustment is illustrated in FIGS. 6-8. In the embodiment shown,the refractive lens 200 is disposed in the imaging unit 152, rather thanin the coupler 154. Thus, the focusing mechanism includes elementsdisposed in the imaging unit 152, as well as in the coupler 154. Asmentioned above, placement of the lens 200 within the imaging unit 152,rather than in the coupler 154, provides at least one significantadvantage. That is, the cost of the coupler 154 may be reducedsignificantly below the cost of coupling devices that include lenses,thereby making it commercially practicable to use a new, sterile couplereach time the imaging system is used, rather than repeatedly sterilizingand reusing the same coupling device should sterilization be required.

[0090] The distal end 660 of the imaging unit 152 includes a primarycylinder 760, in which a spring 680 and a cylindrical lens holder 220are disposed. Lens holder 220 supports the lens 200 in front of animaging axis of image sensor 156. Lens holder 220 (and lens 200) can bemoved within primary cylinder 760 either toward or away from distal end660 of the imaging unit 152 so as to adjust the focal length between theimage sensor 156 and the lens 200. Spring 680 biases lens holder 220toward distal end 660. The position of lens holder 220 within primarycylinder 760 can be adjusted, however, through manipulation of afocusing mechanism on the coupler 154 as discussed below. It should beappreciated that the present intention is not limited in this respectand that a camera including a lens that does not require focussing maybe employed.

[0091] The imaging unit 152 further includes an outer cylinder 720,including a spirally ramped upper edge 960, which surrounds the primarycylinder 760. Outer cylinder 720 is movable with respect to primarycylinder 760 either toward or away from the distal end 660 of imagingunit 152. Outer cylinder 720 is connected to the lens holder 220 via apin 700. Pin 700 extends through a slot 920 which extends a shortdistance along a length of the primary cylinder 760. Thus, lens holder220, outer cylinder 720 and pin 700 move as a single unit, with respectto primary cylinder 760, either toward or away from the distal end 660of imaging unit 152. The manner in which this unit interacts with thefocusing mechanism disposed on coupler 154 is described below inconnection with FIGS. 8a-8 b.

[0092]FIGS. 6 and 7 show an exemplary implementation of the coupler 154.The coupler 154 can be constructed in any of a number of ways to achievethe desired goal of enabling the imaging unit 152 to be coupled to thescope 150. In the implementation shown, the coupler 154 includes a mainbody 500 (including a proximal portion 500 a and a distal portion 500b), a focusing ring 480, a light-penetrable window 940, a scope mountingportion 420 (including inner ring 420 a and outer ring 420 b) and thecondom-like drape 400. The components constituting the main body 500,focusing ring 480 and scope-mounting portion 420 may be made of anysuitable material and may be affixed together in any suitable manner.For example, they may be plastic molded components affixed togetherusing an epoxy-based adhesive. When the coupler 154 is a disposabledevice, the coupler 154 is preferably formed from inexpensivecomponents.

[0093] The main body 500 may be formed by inserting the distal portion500 b within the focusing ring 480, and then affixing together theproximal and distal portions 500 a and 500 b. Scope mounting portion 420may be affixed to distal portion 500 b. Main body 500 has an outersurface 520 between a distal end 1080 and a proximal end 1100 of thecoupler 154. A channel 440 extends about a perimeter of the outersurface 520 between the focusing ring 480 and the proximal end 1100.

[0094] When the coupler 154 is used in a medical or clean roomapplication, it is desirable to not have to sterilize the imaging unit152, thereby saving the time and expense of sterilization, and avoidingrestrictions on the manner in which the imaging unit be formed, since itneed not be sterilizable. Therefore, a sterile barrier may beestablished between the sterile operating environment including thescope 150, and a non-sterile environment including the imaging unit 152.In the system shown in FIGS. 6-7, such a sterile barrier is establishedby coupling the distal end 660 of the imaging unit 152 to the coupler154, and providing a hermetic seal between the components of the coupler120 that separate the sterile and non-sterile environments. Alight-penetrable window 940 is hermetically sealed between the distalend 1080 and the proximal end 1100 of the coupler 154 to establish asterile barrier therebetween. Window 940 may be made of glass, plastic,or any other suitable material through which light can pass from thescope 150 to the image sensor 156 (via lens 200) to generate a suitableimage.

[0095] As mentioned above, the coupler 154 also includes the condom-likedrape 400. The condom-like drape 400 may be made of any material that issuitable for creating a sterile barrier between a sterile environmentand a non-sterile environment. For example, the condom-like drape may bemade of a non-porous latex or plastic material. When the imaging unit152 is mated with the coupler 154, the drape 400 may be extended tocover some or all of imaging unit 152 and cable 260. The condom-likedrape 400 may be hermetically sealed to the outer surface 520 of coupler154. It should be appreciated that in the implementation shown in thefigures, when each of the components of the coupler 154 is sterile, thehermetic seals between the main body portion 500 and the window 940 anddrape 400 establish a sterile barrier between the scope 150 and theimaging unit 152, with the main body portion 500 of the coupler 154itself forming a part of this sterile barrier. As compared to othersystems, in which a sterile barrier is formed only with a drape and awindow portion thereof and in which a coupling device is locatedentirely on the non-sterile side of this barrier, the system shown inFIGS. 8 and 9 is superior because scope 150 can mate directly with bodyportion 500 rather than requiring the drape to be interposed between thecoupling device and the endoscope.

[0096] In the system shown in the figures, the condom-like drape 400does not intercept the optical viewing axis 190 of the imaging system.As mentioned above, this is advantageous in that the drape 400 need notbe provided with a window that must be aligned with the optical viewingaxis 190, and the drape 400 does not interfere with the quality of theimage presented on the monitor 460. It should be appreciated that thefunction performed by the condom-like drape 400 can be achieved in anyof numerous ways. For example, a protective drape can be provided thatis more rigid than the condom-like drape 400 depicted in the drawings.

[0097] In the system shown in the drawings, the condom-like drape 400 issubstantially tubular in form and is open on its distal and proximalends. The distal end 210 of the condom-like drape 400 is attached to theouter surface 520 (within channel 440) of the coupler 120. As discussedabove, this attachment can be accomplished using a hermetic seal (e.g.,via an O-ring 540) to maintain the separation between the sterile andnon-sterile environments. The condom-like drape 400 can be provided in arolled-up form attached to the coupler 154. After the coupler 154 ismated with to the imaging unit 152 as described above, the condom-likedrape 400 can be unrolled to cover the non-sterile imaging unit 152. Byencompassing the outer surface 520 of coupler 154 with the opening atthe distal end 210 of the drape 400, the drape 400 can be used inconjunction with coupler 154 without requiring the user to align thedrape 400, or a window portion thereof, between the eyepiece 158 of thescope 150 and the coupler 154, and without having the drape 400intercept the optical viewing axis 190 of the imaging system. Asdiscussed above, it is to be appreciated that the use of a drape isoptional.

[0098]FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate one example of a technique that may beused to mate the scope 150 with the coupler 154. It should beappreciated that numerous other suitable mating techniques can beemployed. In the system shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the scope 150 is matedwith the coupler 154 by inserting the eyepiece 158 into an opening 380at the distal end 1080 of the coupler 154. Opening 380 may be formed bythe inner and outer rings 420 a-420 b of the scope mounting portion 420.The inner and outer rings 420 a-420 b form equal diameter openings, andinner ring 420 a is movable with respect to outer ring 420 b. A springbiases the inner ring 420 a so that its center is forced to be offsetfrom the center of the outer ring 420 b unless a user activates a lever(not shown) to cause the centers of the two rings to align with oneanother.

[0099] To mate the scope 150 with the coupler 154, the user activatesthe lever so that the centers of the rings 420 a-420 b align with oneanother and inserts the eyepiece 158 through both rings. The user thencan release the lever so that the spring (not shown) causes the centerof ring 420 a to become offset from the center of ring 420 b. Becausethe diameter of the eyepiece 158 is only slightly smaller than thediameter of each of rings 420 a and 420 b, when the centers of the ringsare offset from one another, the eyepiece 158 will be locked within thescope mounting portion 420 of the coupler 154. The eyepiece 158 may beseparated from the scope mounting portion 420 by pressing the lever torealign the centers of rings 420 a and 420 b and pulling the scope 150away from the coupler 154.

[0100] In the system of FIG. 6, the coupler 154 is shown as being mateddirectly with the eyepiece 158 of the scope 150. However, it should beappreciated that the scope 150 (or other image-producing scope) mayalternatively be mated indirectly with the coupler 154. For example, thescope 150 may be mated with the coupler 154 via one or more additionalcoupling devices.

[0101] As discussed above, using the system of FIGS. 6-8, the user candirectly manipulate a focusing mechanism without having to do so througha portion of a protective drape such as condom-like drape 400. Anyfocusing mechanism can be employed that serves to adjust the focallength between the lens 200 and image sensor 156 in the imaging unit152. In the exemplary system shown in FIGS. 6-8, a focusing ring 480 isprovided on the coupler 154 to perform this focal length adjustment. Thefocusing ring 480 is disposed distally of the distal end 210 of thecondom-like drape 400, so that after the drape 400 is extended to coversome or all of the imaging unit 152 and cable 260, the focusing ring 480is not covered by the drape 400 and may be manipulated by a user toadjust the focal length between the lens 200 and the image sensor 158without also having to manipulate the drape 400. Hence, this featuremakes focusing ring 480 relatively easy for the user to manipulate toachieve sharp focusing, and reduces the risk of damage to drape 400.

[0102] An illustrative example of a linkage assembly for mechanicallycoupling the focusing ring 480 on the coupler 154 to the imaging unit152 to adjust the focal length between the lens 200 and image sensor 158is shown in FIGS. 7, 8a and 8 b. It should be appreciated that numerousother implementations are possible. In the system shown, the distalportion 500 b of the main body portion 500 of coupler 154 has an annulargroove 1000. Annular groove 1000 may be covered by the focusing ring480, so that it is not visible from the outside of coupler 154. A finger980 extends inwardly from the focusing ring 480 through the annulargroove 1000, so that when the focusing ring 480 is rotated about themain body portion 500, finger 980 slides within the annular groove 1000.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 8a and 8 b, when the imaging unit 152 is matedwith the coupler 154, a lower surface 1200 of finger 980 contacts aportion of a spiraling ramp surface 960 on the outer cylinder 720. Asmentioned above, pin 700 may be connected between the outer cylinder 720and the cylindrical lens holder 220 through the slot 920, which extendsalong the length of the primary cylinder 760, so that the outer cylinder720 and lens holder 220 do not rotate with respect to the primarycylinder 760. The focusing ring 480, however, can rotate freely aboutthe primary cylinder 760, limited only by the movement of the finger 980within the annular groove 1000.

[0104] As the focusing ring 480 rotates with respect to the primarycylinder 760, a bottom surface 1200 of the finger 980 slides along thespiraling ramped surface 960. The spring 680 pushes upwardly on outercylinder 720 to keep a portion of the spiraling ramped upper surface 960in contact with bottom surface 1200 of the finger 980 at all times.Enough friction exists between the focusing ring 480 and the main body500 of the coupler 154 to prevent the spring 680 from rotating thefocusing ring 480 when it is not being manipulated by a user. Thisfriction makes the fine tuning of the focal length between the lens 200and image sensor 156 (using focusing ring 480) relatively easy toaccomplish.

[0105]FIGS. 8a and 8 b illustrate the focusing mechanism at its twoextreme focusing positions, with FIG. 8a illustrating the lens 200 atits closest position to the image sensor 156 and FIG. 8b illustratingthe lens 200 at its furthest position from the image sensor 156. Asshown in FIG. 8a, when the lens 200 is at its closest position to theimage sensor 156, the spring 680 is fully compressed, bottom surface1200 of finger 980 is in contact with a point 1060 near the top of thespiraling ramped surface 960, and the finger 980 is in a first positionwith respect to the primary cylinder 760. In contrast, as shown in FIG.8b, when the lens 200 is at its furthest position from the image sensor156, the spring 680 is fully extended, the bottom surface 1200 of finger980 is in contact with a point 1040 near the bottom of the spiralingramped surface 960, and the finger 980 is in a second position withrespect to the primary cylinder 760, which is on an opposite side fromthe first position (FIG. 8a).

[0106] It should be appreciated that the above-described system foradjusting the focal length between the image sensor 156 and the lens 200is only one example of the many possible systems that can achieve thisresult, as other implementations can alternatively be employed.

[0107] In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 6-7, the imaging unit 152includes a single body portion 180 in which both the image sensor 156(and associated circuitry 560) and the refractive lens 200 (andassociated components such as the lens holder 220, the spring 680, andthe cylinders 720 and 760) are disposed. It should be appreciated,however, that various components of the imaging unit 152 mayalternatively be distributed among two or more separate housings thatmay be mated together to form the imaging unit 152. An illustrativeexample of an imaging system configured in this manner is shown in FIGS.9 and 10. As shown in FIG. 9, the imaging unit 152 to be mated with thecoupler 154 may include a first housing 180 a in which the refractivelens (and associated components) is disposed, and a second housing 180 bin which the image sensor 140 (and associated circuitry (not shown)) isdisposed.

[0108] In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, thesecond housing 180 b is the housing of a camera head 152 b (e.g., astandard C-mount camera head), and the first housing 180 a is thehousing of an adapter 152 a for adapting the camera head 152 b for usewith the coupler 154. When the adapter 152 a is mated with the camerahead 152 b (as discussed below), the adapter 152 a and the camera head152 b together form a composite imaging unit 152 which is similar to theimaging unit 152 described above in connection with FIGS. 6-7. Althoughthe example shown in FIGS. 9-10 includes a C-mount camera head andadapter therefor, it should be appreciated that each of the housings 180a-180 b may take on any of a number of alternative forms. For example,the housing 180 b may alternatively be the housing of a standard V-mountcamera head, or any other device in which an image sensor is disposed,and the housing 180 a, may be configured to be mated with the same.

[0109] It should also be appreciated that the imaging unit 152 mayfurther include additional housings, including only one or two housings.For example, referring to the FIG. 9 system, the imaging unit 152 mayfurther include one or more housings disposed between the housings 180 aand 180 b or between the housing 180 a and the coupler 154. Such anadditional housing may exist, for example, in the form of a couplingdevice that couples together the housings 180 a and 180 b or the housing180 a and the coupler 154. It should be appreciated that the imagingunit actually employed may be any of numerous devices or combinations ofdevices capable of receiving an optical image along an imaging axis. Asused herein, the term “imaging unit” is not intended to be limiting.Rather, it is intended to refer to any device or combination of devicescapable of performing an imaging function.

[0110] Further, while in the systems of FIGS. 6-9 the coupler 154 isshown as being mated directly with the distal end 660 of the imagingunit 152, it should be appreciated that the imaging unit 152 mayalternatively be mated indirectly with the coupler 154. For example, theimaging unit 152, in whatever form, may be mated with the coupler 154via one or more additional coupling devices.

[0111] In the illustrative system shown in FIGS. 9-10, the operationalinterface between the adapter 152 a and the coupler 154 is identical inmost respects to the operational interface between the imaging unit 152and the coupler 154 described above in connection with FIGS. 6-8.Corresponding components in the two embodiments have therefore beenlabeled with identical reference numerals, and reference may be made tothe description of the embodiment of FIGS. 6-8 for an in-depthunderstanding of the operational interface between the adapter 152 a andthe coupler 154 of the embodiment of FIGS. 9-10.

[0112] As mentioned above, the camera head 152 b may, for example, be astandard C-mount camera head. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the camerahead 152 b may include a threaded, female connector 1280 formed at adistal end 1320 thereof. To permit the adapter 152 a to mate with theconnector 1280 of the camera head 152 b, the adapter 152 a may include athreaded, male connector 1260 formed at a proximal end 1360 thereof.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 9, the image sensor 156 may be disposed adjacentthe distal end 1320 of the camera head 152 b so that, when the maleconnector 1260 of the adapter 152 a is threaded into the femaleconnector 1280 of the camera head 152 b, the image sensor 156 isdisposed adjacent an opening 1380 at the proximal end 1360 of theadapter 152 a. In the system of FIGS. 9-10, the image sensor 156 istherefore disposed further from the distal end 660 of the imaging unit152 than it is in the system of FIGS. 6-7. For this reason, in thesystem of FIGS. 9-10, an annular cavity 1220 is formed within thehousing 180 a to provide an optical pathway between the refractive lens200 and the image sensor 156 along which an image produced by the scope150 can be focused onto the image sensor 156 via the lens 200. Thecavity 1220 may be formed, for example, by reducing a width of anannular shoulder 1340 (FIG. 10) supporting one end of the spring 680 tobe narrower than in the embodiment of FIGS. 6-7.

[0114] In addition, in the system of FIGS. 9-10, the button 580 isdisposed on the adapter 152 a of the imaging unit 152, and is thereforedisposed distally of the image sensor 156 in this system, rather thanproximally of the image sensor 156 as in the system of FIGS. 6-7. Asshown, to make the button 580 fit on the adapter 152 a, the button 580may be shortened as compared to the system of FIGS. 6-7. Additionally,the pin 820 about which the button 580 pivots may be disposed within asmall cavity 1240 adjacent the proximal end 1360 of the adapter 152 a,rather than being disposed proximally of the image sensor 156 as in thesystem of FIGS. 6-7. It should be appreciated, of course, that thebutton 580 and locking member 600 represent only one example of numerousmechanisms that can be used to interconnect the imaging unit 152 withthe coupler 154, and that the imaging unit 152 may be mated with thecoupler 154 in different ways. For example, the imaging unit 152 may notinclude a button such as the button 580 or a locking member such as thelocking member 600 at all, and may instead provide a different mechanismfor mating the imaging unit 152 with the coupler 154.

[0115] In light of the above description, it should be appreciated that,as far as the physical interface between the imaging unit 152 and thecoupler 154 is concerned, the imaging unit 152 that is formed when theadapter 152 a is mated with the camera head 152 b can be made identicalin all respects to the imaging unit 152 of embodiment of FIGS. 6-8.Additionally, by properly adjusting the refractive index of the lens 200to account for the increased distance between the distal end 660 and theimage sensor 156 in the embodiment of FIGS. 9-10 as compared to theembodiment of FIGS. 6-8, the imaging unit 152 of FIGS. 9-10 can also bemade to mimic the functional characteristics of the imaging unit 152 ofFIGS. 6-8 as well. The use of the adapter 152 a of FIGS. 9-10 thereforeenables a standard camera head (e.g., the camera head 152 b) to beadapted for use with the inventive coupler 154 described herein in thesame manner as in the embodiment of the imaging unit 152 described inconnection with FIGS. 6-8. Therefore, one already in possession of acamera head 152 b (e.g., a standard C-mount or V-mount camera head) maysimply purchase the adapter 152 a (which does not include an imagesensor) for use with the coupler 154, rather than purchasing the imagingunit 152 of FIGS. 6-8 (which additionally includes an image sensor) foruse therewith.

[0116] The adapter 152 a described herein is configured for use with aspecific type of coupler (i.e., the coupler 154). However, it should beappreciated that the adapter 152 a may alternatively be configured foruse with other types of devices or couplers.

[0117] It should be appreciated that any suitable type of camera can beused to take such images, as the present invention is not limited to theabove-described examples. Additional examples of cameras that can besuitable for use in such a system are described in a series ofApplicant's earlier-filed U.S. patent applications, includingprovisional application Nos. 60/054,197; 60/054,198; and 60/121,382, aswell as regular U.S. patent applications Ser. Nos. 09/126,368;09/382,496; and 09/513,673, each of which is incorporated herein byreference. However, the present invention is not limited to using suchcamera systems.

[0118] The apparatus 20 and method of use described herein can be usedin connection with inspection and/or maintenance of numerous types ofobjects, as the present invention is not limited in this respect. Theapparatus 20 and method of use described herein can be used inconnection with inspection and/or maintenance of: aircraft (e.g.,airplanes and helicopters), boats, automobiles, trucks, militaryequipment (e.g., tanks, weapons, etc.) and space vehicles; engines andrelated components, including aircraft engines, ship engines, motorvehicle engines and turbine engines; structural components of vehicles,such as airframes, hulls, chassis and automobile frames and other suchcomponents; structures such as buildings, roads, bridges, tunnels, etc.;facilities such as manufacturing plants and power plants including thecomponents or objects relating to such facilities; mechanicalcomponents; systems; parts; inventory; products; processes; fluids andflows; and chemicals. Other applications for the apparatus include, butare not limited to, capturing, storing and retrieving information, suchas maintenance and/or inspection information, regarding: processcontrol; inventory management and control; cargo inspection by customsagents; searches conducted by law enforcement officials; surveillance;and obtaining diagnostic and other information by doctors and othermedical professionals. Other applications will be readily apparent tothose of skill.

[0119] It should be appreciated that various combinations of theabove-described embodiments of the present invention can be employedtogether, but each aspect of the present invention can be usedseparately. Therefore, although the specific embodiments disclosed inthe figures and described in detail employ particular combinations ofthe above-discussed features of the present invention, it should beappreciated that the present invention is not limited in this respect,as the various aspects of the present invention can be employedseparately, or in different combinations. Thus, the particularembodiments described in detail are provided for illustrative purposesonly.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of maintaining an object, the methodcomprising acts of: storing, in digital format, a first image of theobject at a first time; obtaining a second image of the object at asecond time; comparing the first image to the second image; anddetermining whether to perform maintenance on the object based, at leastin part, on the act of comparing.
 2. The method according to claim 1,further comprising an act of annotating the first image with data inputfrom a user.
 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the act ofdetermining whether to perform maintenance on the object comprises anact of reviewing the annotations regarding the first image.
 4. Themethod according to claim 1, further comprising an act of displaying atleast one of the first or second images.
 5. The method according toclaim 1, further comprising an act of displaying both the first imageand the second image.
 6. The method according to claim 1, furthercomprising an act of transmitting the first image to a remote location.7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising an act ofretrieving the first image from the remote location.
 8. The methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising an act of storing at least oneof an image of the initial condition of the object, maintenance historyof the object, diagnostic information regarding the object andinstructional information regarding the object.
 9. The method accordingto claim 1, further comprising an act of obtaining audio data regardingthe object.
 10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising anact of obtaining an error code regarding the object.
 11. The methodaccording to claim 2, wherein the act of annotating the first image withdata comprises an act of inputting at least one of text and voice. 12.The method according to claim 6, wherein the act of transmitting thefirst image comprises an act of transmitting the first image via awireless connection.
 13. The method according to claim 6 wherein the actof determining whether to perform maintenance on the object occurs atthe remote location.
 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein theact of imaging the object comprises an act of imaging the object with astill image.
 15. The method according to claim 1, wherein the act ofimaging the object comprises an act of imaging the object with streamingvideo.
 16. The method according to claim 1, further comprising an act ofperforming maintenance on the object.
 17. The method according to claim1, wherein the act of imaging the object comprises an act of imaging acomponent of an aircraft.
 18. The method according to claim 6, whereinthe act of transmitting the first image comprises an act of transmittingthe first image via the Internet.
 19. A method of inspecting an objectfrom a remote location, the method comprising acts of: obtaining adigital image of the object at a first location; electronicallytransmitting the digital image to a second location remote from thefirst location; viewing the digital image at the second location;transmitting instructions to the first location; and performing an acton the object in response to the instructions.
 20. The method accordingto claim 19, further comprising an act of annotating the image with datainput from a user.
 21. The method according to claim 20, furthercomprising an act of electronically transmitting the annotations to thesecond location.
 22. The method according to claim 21, furthercomprising an act of reviewing the annotations.
 23. The method accordingto claim 19, further comprising an act of storing at least one of animage of the initial condition of the object, maintenance history of theobject, diagnostic information regarding the object and instructionalinformation regarding the object.
 24. The method according to claim 19,further comprising an act of obtaining audio data regarding the object.25. The method according to claim 24, further comprising an act ofelectronically transmitting the audio data to the second location. 26.The method according to claim 19, further comprising an act of obtainingan error code regarding the object.
 27. The method according to claim26, further comprising an act of electronically transmitting the errorcode to the second location.
 28. The method according to claim 20,wherein the act of annotating the image with data comprises an act ofinputting at least one of text and voice.
 29. The method according toclaim 19, wherein the act of transmitting the image comprises an act oftransmitting the image via a wireless connection.
 30. The methodaccording to claim 19, wherein the act of transmitting the imagecomprises an act of transmitting the image via the Internet.
 31. Themethod according to claim 19, wherein the act of performing an act onthe object comprises an act of performing maintenance on the object. 32.The method according to claim 19, wherein the act of imaging the objectcomprises an act of imaging the object with a still image.
 33. Themethod according to claim 19, wherein the act of imaging the objectcomprises imaging the object with streaming video.
 34. The methodaccording to claim 19, wherein the act of imaging the object comprisesan act of the act of imaging a component of an aircraft.
 35. The methodaccording to claim 19, wherein the act of imaging the object comprisesan act of imaging a component of an aircraft and wherein the act oftransmitting the image comprises an act of transmitting the image to amanufacturer of the aircraft or a manufacturer of the component.
 36. Themethod according to claim 19, wherein the act of imaging the objectcomprises an act of imaging a component of an aircraft and wherein theact of transmitting the image comprises an act of transmitting the imageto an aircraft maintenance facility.
 37. The method according to claim19, wherein the act of transmitting instructions to the first locationcomprises an act of transmitting maintenance instructions to the firstlocation.
 38. An electronic inspection apparatus adapted to communicatewith a camera to obtain an image of an object, the apparatus comprising:a casing; a computer disposed within the casing; a camera control unitdisposed within the casing and coupled to the computer, the cameracontrol unit being adapted to receive electronic images from the camera,reformat the electronic images into digital format and pass thedigitally formatted images to the computer; and an input device, coupledto the computer, adapted to allow a user to input full text datarelating to the image.
 39. The apparatus according to claim 38, furthercomprising a display coupled to the computer and adapted to display atleast the digitally formatted images.
 40. The apparatus according toclaim 38, further comprising a computer readable storage mediumcommunicating with the computer, the storage medium adapted to store theimage and related voice or text data regarding the object.
 41. Theapparatus according to claim 40, further comprising a computer readablestorage medium communicating with the computer, the storage mediumadapted to store additional maintenance information regarding theobject.
 42. The apparatus according to claim 38, further comprising adisplay coupled to the computer for displaying at least two images. 43.The apparatus according to claim 42, wherein the at least two imagescomprises a first image representative of a current condition of theobject and a second image representative of an historical condition ofthe object.
 44. The apparatus according to claim 43, wherein thehistorical condition of the object is an initial condition of theobject.
 45. The apparatus according to claim 38, further comprising adevice to transmit at least the image to a remote location.
 46. Theapparatus according to claim 38, further comprising a storage mediumcoupled to the computer, the storage medium storing at least one of animage of the initial condition of the object, maintenance history of theobject, diagnostic information regarding the object and instructionalinformation regarding the object.
 47. The apparatus according to claim38, further comprising a microphone coupled to the computer and adaptedto obtain audio data regarding the object.
 48. The apparatus accordingto claim 38, further comprising an input device coupled to the computerand adapted to obtain an error code regarding the object.
 49. Theapparatus according to claim 38, further comprising a microphone coupledto the computer and adapted to allow a user to input voice data.
 50. Theapparatus according to claim 45, wherein the device is a wirelesscommunication device.
 51. The apparatus according to claim 38, whereinthe camera control unit is adapted to receive at least one of stillimages and streaming video.
 52. The apparatus according to claim 45,further comprising an Internet connection coupled to the computer fortransmitting the image to the remote location.
 53. The apparatusaccording to claim 38, in combination with the camera.
 54. The apparatusaccording to claim 38, wherein the input device is a touch screen. 55.The apparatus according to claim 38, wherein the apparatus is ahand-held apparatus.
 56. The apparatus according to claim 38, whereinthe apparatus is cordless.
 57. The apparatus according to claim 38,wherein the camera control unit receives images from the camera via awireless connection.
 58. The apparatus according to claim 38, whereinthe camera control unit receives images from the camera via a hardwireconnection.
 59. The combination according to claim 53, wherein theapparatus controls at least one function of the camera.
 60. Theapparatus according to claim 39, wherein a first portion of the displaydisplays the image and a second portion of the display displays inputkeys.
 61. The combination according to claim 53, wherein the camera isNTSC compatible.
 62. An electronic inspection apparatus adapted tocommunicate with a camera to obtain an image of an object, the apparatuscomprising: a casing; a computer disposed within the casing; a cameracontrol unit disposed within the casing and coupled to the computer, thecamera control unit being adapted to receive electronic images from thecamera, reformat the electronic images into digital format and pass thedigitally formatted images to the computer; and a computer readablestorage medium, coupled to the computer, having an executable codestored thereon that allows the computer to execute at least twoprocesses in a multitask fashion.
 63. The apparatus according to claim62, further comprising a display coupled to the computer and adapted todisplay at least the digitally formatted images.
 64. The apparatusaccording to claim 62, further comprising a storage medium communicatingwith the computer, the storage medium is adapted to store the image andrelated voice or text data regarding the object.
 65. The apparatusaccording to claim 64, wherein the storage medium is adapted to storeadditional maintenance information regarding the object.
 66. Theapparatus according to claim 62, further comprising a display coupled tothe computer for displaying at least two images.
 67. The apparatusaccording to claim 66, wherein the at least two images comprises a firstimage representative of a current condition of the object and a secondimage representative of an historical condition of the object.
 68. Theapparatus according to claim 67, wherein the historical condition of theobject is an initial condition of the object.
 69. The apparatusaccording to claim 62, further comprising a device coupled to thecomputer to transmit at least the image to a remote location.
 70. Theapparatus according to claim 62, further comprising a storage mediumcommunicating with the computer for storing at least one of an image ofthe initial condition of the object, maintenance history of the object,diagnostic information regarding the object and instructionalinformation regarding the object.
 71. The apparatus according to claim62, further comprising a microphone coupled to the computer and adaptedto obtain audio data regarding the object.
 72. The apparatus accordingto claim 62, further comprising an input device coupled to the computerand adapted to obtain an error code regarding the object.
 73. Theapparatus according to claim 62, further comprising a microphone coupledto the computer and adapted to allow a user to input voice data.
 74. Theapparatus according to claim 69, wherein the device is a wirelesscommunication device.
 75. The apparatus according to claim 62, whereinthe camera control unit is adapted to receive at least one of a stillimage and streaming video.
 76. The apparatus according to claim 62,further comprising an Internet connection coupled to the computer fortransmitting the image to a remote location.
 77. The apparatus accordingto claim 62, in combination with the camera.
 78. The apparatus accordingto claim 62, further comprising an touch screen coupled to the computerand adapted to allow a user to input text data relating to the image.79. The apparatus according to claim 62, wherein the apparatus is ahand-held apparatus.
 80. The apparatus according to claim 62, whereinthe apparatus is cordless.
 81. The apparatus according to claim 62,wherein the camera control unit receives images from the camera via awireless connection.
 82. The apparatus according to claim 62, whereinthe camera control unit receives images from the camera via a hardwireconnection.
 83. The combination according to claim 77, wherein theapparatus controls at least one function of the camera.
 84. Theapparatus according to claim 63, wherein a first portion of the displaydisplays the image and a second portion of the display displays inputkeys.
 85. The combination according to claim 77, wherein the camera isNTSC compatible.
 86. The apparatus according to claim 62, wherein theexecutable code allows the computer to execute the at least twoprocesses simultaneously.
 87. An electronic inspection apparatus adaptedto communicate with a camera for obtaining an image of an object, theapparatus comprising: a casing; a computer disposed within the casing; acontrol unit disposed within the casing and coupled to the computer, thecontrol unit being adapted to communicate with the camera; and an inputdevice coupled to the computer and the control unit, the input deviceadapted to receive an input command from a user, the control unitadapted to receive the command and signal at least portions of thecamera to react as commanded.
 88. The apparatus according to claim 87,further comprising a display coupled to the computer and adapted todisplay at least the image.
 89. The apparatus according to claim 87,further comprising a storage medium communicating with the computer thatis adapted to store the image and related voice or text data regardingthe object.
 90. The apparatus according to claim 89, further comprisinga storage medium, communicating with the computer that is adapted tostore additional maintenance information regarding the object.
 91. Theapparatus according to claim 87, further comprising a display coupled tothe computer for displaying at least two images.
 92. The apparatusaccording to claim 91, wherein the at least two images comprises a firstimage representative of a current condition of the object and a secondimage representative of an historical condition of the object.
 93. Theapparatus according to claim 92, wherein the historical condition of theobject is an initial condition of the object.
 94. The apparatusaccording to claim 87, further comprising a device coupled to thecomputer to transmit at least the image to a remote location.
 95. Theapparatus according to claim 87, further comprising a storage mediumcommunicating with the computer for storing at least one of an image ofthe initial condition of the object, maintenance history of the object,diagnostic information regarding the object and instructionalinformation regarding the object.
 96. The apparatus according to claim87, further comprising a microphone coupled to the computer and adaptedto obtain audio data regarding the object.
 97. The apparatus accordingto claim 87, further comprising an input device coupled to the computerand adapted to obtain an error code regarding the object.
 98. Theapparatus according to claim 87, further comprising a microphone coupledto the computer and adapted to allow a user to input voice data.
 99. Theapparatus according to claim 94, wherein the device is a wirelesscommunication device.
 100. The apparatus according to claim 87, furthercomprising a camera control unit coupled to the computer, the cameracontrol unit is adapted to receive at least one of a still image andstreaming video.
 101. The apparatus according to claim 87, furthercomprising an Internet connection coupled to the computer fortransmitting the image to a remote location.
 102. The apparatusaccording to claim 87, in combination with the camera.
 103. Theapparatus according to claim 87, further comprising a touch screencoupled to the computer and adapted to allow a user to input thecommands.
 104. The apparatus according to claim 87, further comprising atouch screen coupled to the computer and adapted to allow a user toinput text data relating to the image.
 105. The apparatus according toclaim 87, wherein the apparatus is a hand-held apparatus.
 106. Theapparatus according to claim 87, wherein the apparatus is cordless. 107.The apparatus according to claim 87, further comprising a camera controlunit coupled to the computer that is adapted to receive images from thecamera via a wireless connection.
 108. The apparatus according to claim87, further comprising a camera control unit coupled to the computerthat is adapted to receive images from the camera via a hardwireconnection.
 109. The apparatus according to claim 98, wherein a firstportion of the display displays the image and a second portion of thedisplay displays input keys.
 110. The combination according to claim102, wherein the camera is NTSC compatible.
 111. The apparatus accordingto claim 87, wherein the control unit is adapted to control at least oneof a viewing axis of the camera, a zoom position of the camera, and thefocus of the camera.
 112. An aircraft inspection system comprising: acamera adapted to view a component of the aircraft; and a portableelectronic apparatus communicating with the camera, the apparatuscomprising: a casing; a computer disposed within the casing; a cameracontrol unit coupled to the computer and disposed within the casing, thecamera control unit adapted to receive an image from the camera and passthe image to the computer; a display coupled to the computer and adaptedto display the image; an input device coupled to the computer andadapted to allow a user to input maintenance data relating to thecomponent; and a storage medium communicating with the computer, thestorage medium adapted to store the image and related data.
 113. Thesystem according to claim 112, further comprising a device coupled tothe computer to transmit the image and maintenance data to a remotelocation.
 114. The system according to claim 112, further comprising anInternet connection coupled to the computer for transmitting the imageto a remote location.
 115. The system according to claim 112, wherein afirst portion of the display displays the image and a second portion ofthe display displays input keys.
 116. An electronic maintenanceapparatus adapted to communicate with a camera to obtain an image of anobject, the apparatus comprising: a casing; a computer disposed withinthe casing; and a storage medium communicating with the computer, thestorage medium including maintenance information regarding the objectbeing imaged.
 117. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein themaintenance information includes at least one of the image of theobject, related voice or text data regarding the object, an image of theinitial condition of the object, maintenance history of the object,diagnostic information regarding the object and instructionalinformation regarding the object.
 118. The apparatus according to claim117, further comprising an input device coupled to the computer andadapted to allow a user to input text data relating to the image. 119.The apparatus according to claim 116, further comprising a displaycoupled to the computer and adapted to display at least a portion of themaintenance information.
 120. The apparatus according to claim 116,further comprising an Internet connection coupled to the computer fortransmitting at least a portion of the maintenance information to aremote location.
 121. The apparatus according to claim 116, incombination with the camera.
 122. The apparatus according to claim 116,wherein the apparatus is a hand-held apparatus.